SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Australian sports betting industry stakeholders are gearing up for a market breaking ‘half-a-billion’ Melbourne Cup Carnival week (4-11 November).
Flemington Racetrack is certain of sell-out crowds each day, as its showpiece Carnival takes over Australian sports commentary, context and debate.
Carnival week is ‘make-or-break’ territory for Australian bookmakers. Last year it was reported that Australian betting giant Tabcorp, had signed-up approximately 60,000 new accounts between Carnival opening and closing period.
All eyes will be on a much anticipated ‘Emirates Melbourne Cup’ run on Tuesday 7 November. Known as ‘the race that stops the nation’, the brutal staying handicap (run over 3,200 metres) has a prize-pool of AUS $6.25 million, making the Melbourne Cup the world’s second richest racing event.
Australian news sources have reported that this year’s Carnival will be worth a minimum AUS half-billion $ in wagering, with a projected $100 million (£60 million) to be staked on Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
Bookmakers’ will hoping to maintain their recent Melbourne Cup winning momentum against punters. Entering race week, 2016 champion Almandin is current race 7/1 favourite, followed closely by British stud Marmelo at 8/1.
Playing a high-stakes game, bookmakers’ will be keeping a close eye on popular home runner Humidor current third race favourite at 10/1.
